The extension would be for three months, while Congress attempts to negotiate a compromise.

A budget deal, which appeared likely to pass, would have eliminated the federal jobless benefits. They were enacted at the height of the reccession and kick in after Nevada’s 26 weeks of benefits run out.

Currently, an estimated 17,000 Nevadans will lose assistance when the current federal program expires Dec. 28. Another 800 people per week could lose benefits unless the program is extended.